The PizzaExpress Jazz Club in London’s Soho is one of the most respected venues in the capital and in November is playing host to such artists as Matt Wilson, Peter White, Kurt Elling and Gwilym Simcock.

Located in the heart of the capital in Dean Street customers can enjoy a special experience: live jazz of the highest standard in a unique environment, and delicious pizza.

Over the years, many of the world’s finest jazz musicians have taken to the stage here including: Roy Haynes, Kenny Garrett, Martin Taylor, Scott Hamilton and Mose Allison.

With live jazz seven nights a week it has also been a showcase for new talent: Norah Jones, Jamie Cullum, Diana Krall, Brad Mehldau, Amy Winehouse, Danilo Perez, Stacey Kent, Avishai Cohen, Acoustic Alchemy, Peter Cincotti, Peter White and Rokia Traoré have all appeared and dazzled audiences.

The word “Club” relates to the warm atmosphere and comfortable surroundings, not the entrance policy – you do not need to be a member to visit, though they recommend booking in advance.

None of the tables are far from the stage and a state-of-the-art sound system helps make this one of the top jazz venues in the country.

Directions

Dean Street connects two of the most popular areas of the West End, Shaftesbury Avenue and Oxford Street.

The Club is 30 seconds walk west of Soho Square, or one minute walk south down to Dean Street from Oxford Street. The nearest tube station Tottenham Court Road.

You can reach them by phone on 0845 6027 017

For more details and to book go to their official website: www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk/jazzList.aspx

NOVEMBER LISTINGS

The full gig listings for November 2009 are as follows:

Mari Wilson (Sunday 1st November)

The Neasden Queen of Soul Mari Wilson’s combined storytelling and wit still stands her as one of the best live performers in the country. Mari Wilson first arrived on the scene in the early eighties with her skyscraper beehive hairdo, bizarre sense of fashion and fully choreographed twelve piece band The Wilsations! Mari’s live shows were spoken about as an event – pure entertainment. In 1982 Mari’s records began entering the charts and she soon had six hit singles, the biggest being ‘Just What I’ve Always Wanted’ and ‘Cry Me A River’, both taken from her album ‘Showpeople’. In the mid-eighties after constant touring of the UK, Europe and the United States, Mari reduced the size of her band (and her hairdo!), changing direction with a jazz quartet. Mari has also appeared in musical theatre, playing Nickie Pignatelli in Phil Willmott’s production of Sweet Charity, Annabel in the black comedy, The Chainsaw Manicure and Dusty Springfield in Dusty: The Musical which toured number one venues throughout the UK for seven months in 2000. In September 2007, marking the 25th Anniversary of Just What I Always Wanted being in the top ten, Warner Bros. released ‘Mari Wilson – The Platinum Collection’ and Mari toured the UK. True to form, a mix of hits old and new, unusual and unexpected covers and a myriad of glamorous costume changes. [£15]

Lauren Dalrymple (Monday 2nd November)

“A vibrant performer of lustrous texture and energy…” The Guardian.

“…gets and audience in the palm of her hand and keeps the spell bound..” Jazzwise.

Since the release of her debut cd ‘Copasetic’ (SoFF Music) at this very venue, spring 09, to rave reviews, gutsy songstress, Lauren Dalrymple returns for another evening of song with her band of musicians which include Chris Jerome on keys (Courtney Pine) and the fantastic sax of new comer, Matt Telfer. [£12.50]

Edition Festival 09: Ivo Neame / Bourne Davis Kane / Curios (Tuesday 3rd November)

“Fantastic, fluent, romantic… this is state-of-the-art piano trio music”. Time Out

Ivo Neame, Edition’s latest signing who’s new CD ‘Caught in the Light of Day’ comes out at the end of November, has fast become one of the most interesting pianists to emerge on the UK scene in recent years. Tonight’s concert showcases a stripped down version of his album playing in a duo with the prodigiously gifted vibes player Jim Hart. Bourne Davis Kane have wowed critics, broken boundaries and challenged conventions. Together, they produce music of democratic interaction, pooling their unique resources to create an admirably unified sound. This is music made with both wit and intelligence and heart and soul. Curios have been described by Mojo as “the most formidable piano trio in the UK”. Following two highly successful records and winning the BBC Jazz Award for Best Band in 2008, Curios will be releasing their third and most anticipated album yet in March 2010. Drawing on romantic classical music as much as modern jazz, Cawley’s compositions are melodic, fiery, serene and intense. [£17.50]

Jam Night – Starts at 11pm – £2 entry / Free for musicians (House band: Kit Downes, Chris Montague, Joshua Blackmore & Dave Kane)

Edition Festival 09: Neil Yates’ 5 Countries Trio / Geoff Eales / Mark Lockheart (Wednesday 4th November 2009)

“Posterity may come to regard In Deep as the key record of the second golden age of British jazz”. Manchester Evening News

Neil Yates has been described as having one of the “purest, most beautiful brass sounds in British Jazz”. Drawing on jazz and the Celtic tradition, his music is utterly compelling and intensely refreshing. With Neil Yates (trumpet), Zsolt Bende (guitar) and Cormac Byrne (percussion). Geoff Eales is regarded as one of Europe’s most inspirational jazz pianists and composers. His latest CD ‘Master of the Game’, with Chris Laurence (bass) and Martin France (drums), was released to worldwide acclaim propelling him into the piano premier league. Mark Lockheart is one of the UK’s leading saxophonists and composers and can be seen playing with Polar Bear, Loose Tubes and Perfect Houseplants. His latest release, In Deep, has been described by Jazzwise as “one of the most glorious bits of writing and playing you’ll hear this year”. With Mark Lockheart (sax), Dave Priseman (trumpet), Liam Noble (piano), Jasper Hoiby (bass) and Dave Smith (drums). [£17.50]

Jam Night – Starts at 11pm – £2 entry / Free for musicians / House band: Kevin Figes Quartet

Edition Festival 09: Dave Stapleton’s Catching Sunlight / Keith Tippett / Dave Stapleton Quintet (Thursday 5th November 2009)

“Deft melodies and hard hitting grooves make his music genuinely kick-ass”. Time Out

Dave Stapleton’s Catching Sunlight is filled with gorgeous melodies, drenched in sensual harmonies and driven by subtle and shifting rhythms. Sub-titled as ‘Music for an imaginary film’, textures are as diverse and lush as those of Gil Evans and Miles and yet its sense of movement recalls Mingus and Ellington. Keith Tippett has been at the forefront of contemporary European jazz and new music for over forty years and has pioneered solo piano improvisation. His technical mastery and virtuosity is all secondary to the beauty of the music he creates while every performance is utterly unique. The Dave Stapleton Quintet has been described by the Guardian as “a real UK Jazz revelation”. With rave reviews for their second album and a string of UK and European dates including Budapest, Cork, Cannes, London and Cheltenham Jazz Festivals, their music is as approachable and sophisticated as Jarrett but with an energy of the Messengers or Cannonball Adderley. (£17.50)

Peter White (Friday 6th – Thursday 12th November 2009 – Double Shows Fri & Sat)

Los Angeles-based British guitarist and songwriter Peter White is one of the international jazz scene’s most respected artists. Recent winner of the National Smooth Jazz Awards ‘Best Guitar’ (for the third time), he has played alongside artists including Al Stewart, Janis Ian and Tori Amos. Peter’s latest CD is titled “Good Day”, his first collection of original songs since “Confidential” in 2003. With him are long time friend Jaared on sax, and visiting the UK for the first time- renowned keyboardist Gregg Karukas who has just released his 11th solo CD “GK”. Jaared (Sax), Gregg Karukas (Keyboard), Frank Felix (Bass) and Marc Parnell (Drums). [£22]

LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL 2009

Aaron Parkes (Friday 13th November): Astonishing new Blue Note singed talent Aaron Parks makes his London debut, showing the captivating sense of melody and compositional brilliance that made his stunning album Invisible Cinema a modern classic. Effortlessly blending rock, jazz and filmic themes, Parks is taking jazz in an exciting new direction. [£25]

Kurt Elling (Saturday 14th November 2009 – Double Shows – 7.30pm & 10.30pm): One of the most distinctive male singers in jazz today. Elling’s extraordinary command and timbre has been likened to that of a Stradivarius, his rich, resonant voice building on the nuanced style of his friend and mentor Mark Murphy. A gifted wordsmith, he’s set lyrics to Dexter Gordon sax solos, created new ‘standards’ from forgotten gems, and penned his own lush originals. Elling is in a class of his own. [£35]

Gretchen Parlato (Sunday 15th November): Since winning the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocal competition in 2004, Parlato has been called “magical” by Herbie Hancock, while Wayne Shorter commented “there’s no one out there like Gretchen.” Her blend of Brazilian vocalese and sophisticated, softly dancing melodies marks her out as a major star in the making. [£20]

Cyminology (Monday 16th November): Led by mesmeric Iranian-German singer Cymin Samawatie, this ECM-signed, international band (boasting Indian, German and French nationals), produce an aptly multi-faceted sound. Delicate, intricate, passionate and utterly entrancing, their intercultural virtuosity seamlessly combines jazz and indigenous styles into a transcendent whole. Following an impressive debut in March, the London Jazz Festival is delighted to bring the group back to the UK. [£25]

Ian Shaw (Tuesday 17th November): Award winning vocalist Shaw’s immaculate technique and stunning vocal range are heightened by his ability to reinvent well worn standards, choice covers by the likes of Joni Mitchell and witty originals that reveal his depths as a first rate songsmith. [£15]

Todd Gordon with Special Guest Carol Kidd: The Johnny Mercer Centenary Concert (Wednesday 18th November)

“A real tribute to a great composer” – Sir Michael Parkinson

Scotland’s top jazz singers Carol Kidd and Todd Gordon bring classy delivery and exquisite timing to bear on gems from the Johnny Mercer songbook including One for My Baby, Moon River and The Summer Wind, on what would have been Mercer’s 100th birthday. * Supported by the Scottish Arts Council * [£20]

Michael Janisch Presents: The TransAtlantic Collective (Thursday 19 November)

“The heat and intensity of New York jazz meet the lyrical flair of its European cousin… this a richly experienced and superbly accomplished group.”
Edinburgh Herald

“Traveling Song” is an involving and refreshing piece of work” All About Jazz

“The TransAtlantic Collective is one of the freshest, most accomplished and compelling jazz groups.” The Left Lion, Nottingham

The TransAtlantic Collective is made up of some of the top emerging artists from New York City and Europe (Patrick Cornelius NYC, Kristjan Randalu Estonia, Paul Wiltgen Luxembourg, Quentin Collins London, Michael Janisch US/UK). The group was formed in 2005 to foster cross-continental collaboration in musical performance, composition, and education. In 2008 it undertook a near 40‐date European tour to rave reviews by the press, and has played in over 30 UK cities. The Collective will be performing music from its critically acclaimed debut album, Travelling Song. [£15]

Helge Lien (Friday 20th November)

This band shot to international acclaim with last year’s remarkable breakout album Hello Troll. In spite of its irreverent title the album signalled the arrival of a sparkling new trio with their own bold, darkly melodic sound world. The word is out that this is a band to watch. [£25]

Christine Tobin (Saturday 21st November – 7:30pm)

Bewitching folk-influenced jazz singer Tobin has been hailed as “a jewel of the London jazz scene” by the Guardian. Here she performs an eclectic set of romantic standards and finely spun originals from her forthcoming album Winter Cherries as well as favourites from her back catalogue. [£15]

Juliet Kelly (Saturday 21st November – 10:30pm)

Honey-voiced Kelly sings her way into the night with her alluring confessional originals and her jazzified take on Soul2Soul’s Back To Life creating the perfect late night soundtrack. [£15]

Julia Biel (Sunday 22nd November)

Bewitching singer Biel rose to great acclaim for her soulful acoustic approach on her sensual debut album Not Alone. Here she launches her new album that features her breathlessly beautiful vocals and quickly unfolding melodies, accompanied by instrumental heavyweights Marco Piccioni, Jasper Hoiby and Sebastian Rochford. [£15]

Katriona Taylor (Monday 23rd November)

“Her sultry voice is something a little special” Daily Telegraph.

“I loved her show” George Benson.

British singer and songwriter Katriona Taylor performs a sensational blend of Jazz, Latin, Soul and originals. An established solo artist at music festivals in the UK and internationally, with multiple plaudits. Katriona supported legendary, award winner George Benson, on his world tour. An evocative and engaging singer with funky and Brazilian rhythms and first rate original songs. The combination of Katriona’s unmistakable interpretation and style, teamed with these dynamic musicians promises a fantastic show. Katriona Taylor (Vocals), John Crawford (Piano), Davide Mantovanni (Double Bass), Chris Nickolls (Drums) and Guillermo Hill (Guitar) [£15]

Asaf Sirkis New Trio (Tuesday 24th November)

“Asaf Sirkis sounding creatively freer and more dramatically inventive than ever on drums” – John Fordham, The Guardian, June 2009

In his long and playful partnership with saxophonist Gilad Atzmon, a recent and more delicate one with piano virtuoso John Law, and in many other settings from improv to fusion, Israeli expatriate Asaf Sirkis keeps confirming that he’s one of the British jazz scene’s most creative drummers. Law says that the way Sirkis just touches a cymbal is an inspiration, long before he’s played a beat. North African as well as Middle Eastern music played a big part in his early listening, and he was a bass guitarist as well as a drummer in his teens, so rock and fusion music from the Police to Weather Report and the Mahavishnu Orchestra went deep with him. This trio generates a compelling intensity, and the leader’s percussion responses to their ideas are dazzling eruptions of drum mastery. Asaf Sirkis (drums, compositions), Yaron Stavi (electric bass) and Tassos Spiliotopoulos (guitar). [£15]

The Sax Pack – featuring Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters & Steve Cole (Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th November)

Three of smooth jazz’s top sax players, this talented collaboration is a tasteful blend of passion, connection and soulful expression that will have fans groovin’ out of their seats. Designed to be an experience that creates a long-lasting impression, The Sax Pack show will inspire audiences to return again and again for another taste of the good life. The Sax Pack is a class act consisting of three signature sax players; Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Water and Steve Cole. Backed by a tight rhythm section, the talented trio combine their life-long love of music and their passion for performance, to make an impact on audiences that love music as much as they do. Committed to sharing the excitement, spontaneity and creative energy that flows between them on stage, The Sax Pack inspires an audience far beyond the duration of a show. The well-known saxophonists are excited to create a show that combines their individual styles and diverse backgrounds for a fresh approach to the music that inspired them all to become musicians; jazz. Highlights of the tour will feature original music written specifically for The Sax Pack, as well as each sax player’s signature hits and the classic funk, R&B and jazz tunes that will get fans out of their seats. Backed by Miles Gilderdale (guitar), Oli Silk (piano), Gary Grainger (bass) and Greg Grainger (drums). [£25]

Gwilym Simcock Trio Album Launch (Friday 27th November – Double Shows)

“Just when you thought the piano could go no further in jazz one emerges to raise the bar of invention and virtuosity still higher. On this recording Gwilym Simcock seems to have breached a dam of inhibition and let loose a flood of music that is truly exhilarating”. Helen Mayhew, JazzFM

This week celebrates the release of Gwilym Simcock’s new double album “Blues Vignette”. The album launches his new trio with extraordinary, classically trained Russian bassist Yuri Goloubev and young UK drum star James Maddren as well as documenting Gwilym’s emerging voice as a solo pianist. The album offers a mix of stunning improvisations and new Simcock compositions as well as insightful interpretations of Grieg’s Piano Concerto and the popular tune “On Broadway”. The trio work mixes Simcock compositions and brilliant interpretations of great classics such as “Black Coffee” and “Cry Me A River”. As Gwilym himself says “recording an album is like taking a photograph. An album is a document of a specific moment in time, a vignette, an insight into the stage that one as a musician has reached. This album marks both the beginning of a fresh journey with a new trio, and documents my continuing quest towards finding an individual voice as a solo pianist”. He goes on to say: “All of this music is neither ‘Jazz’ nor ‘Classical’. It is just music, and the type of music that interests and stimulates me. What I feel is important in music is lyricism, subtlety and clarity in harmonic and rhythmic movement, and an overall sense of an emotional connection with the listener, whatever the context of the music may be”. Gwilym Simcock (Piano), Yuri Goloubev (Bass), James Maddren (Drums).

Gwilym Simcock Trio with Julian Arguelles (Saturday 28th November – Double Shows)

Saxophonist Julian Arguelles was one of Gwilym’s musical heroes when he first got into jazz and Julian has since collaborated with Gwilym on a number of projects. Earlier this year Julian released “Momenta” – a return to a big band setting, and the culmination of composing, rehearsing and performing with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band on which Gwilym was the featured pianist. Argüelles is a highly versatile musician. His ever-changing formats have produced acclaimed recordings and tours with trio, quartet, octet and solo, yet his relationship with big bands is a long-standing one. As a teenager he was a member of the European Youth Jazz Orchestra, later becoming a founding member of the mid 80’s maverick ensemble, Loose Tubes. He has worked with large groups led by Django Bates, and Chris McGregor’s Brotherhood of Breath, and has been with Kenny Wheeler’s Big Band for 20 years. In addition, Argüelles has written for, amongst others, the Hamburg Radio Big band, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, the Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra and The HR Big Band with whom is now is resident. Gwilym Simcock (Piano), Yuri Goloubev (Bass), James Maddren (Drums) and Special Guest Julian Arguelles on Saxophone. [£20]

Gwilym Simcock Trio with Julian Arguelles & Stan Sulzmann (Sunday 29th November)

Saxophonist Stan Sulzmann is without question one of the most highly respected musicians in the UK today, admired by musicians and audiences for his instantly recognisable sound, and boundless creative imagination, and is a source of inspiration to many of Britain’s emerging young musicians. He has been a great mentor and inspiration to Gwilym and as well as featuring on his debut album “Perception” Stan plays regularly with Gwilym and young vibraphonist Jim Hart in the trio NEON. Gwilym Simcock (Piano), Yuri Goloubev (Bass), James Maddren (Drums). Special Guests Julian Arguelles (Saxophone) & Stan Sulzmann (Saxophone).

Gwilym Simcock Trio with Klaus Gesing (Monday 30th November)

German reeds player Klaus Gesing is gradually gaining a reputation as one of the most brilliant soloists in both jazz and classical music. In 2006 he invited Gwilym to play on his album “Heartluggage” and since then they have collaborated on a number of other projects. Including more recently a choral commission at the Norfolk a Norwich Festival in May 2009 which was also chosen for this year’s London Jazz Festival. Klaus’ work with Norma Winstone and Glauco Venier on ECM was nominated for a Grammy in 2009 and in September this year he released another ECM album with Oud player Anouar Brahem. Gwilym Simcock (Piano), Yuri Goloubev (Bass), James Maddren (Drums). [£15]